We’re 2-0. Say that out loud a couple times, because it still feels good. But after taking care of business against Coastal Carolina and steamrolling UT Martin 52-7, the schedule stops being gentle with us. This week we pack up and head to Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Classic against Virginia, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it, this is a different level of football than what we’ve seen so far.
I’ll be honest with y’all, this one’s personal for me. My wife and I are actually making the trip down to
Charlotte for this game, and it’s the first major collegiate football game I’ve ever attended in person. Let’s get into what you need to know.
Where and when to watch
Kickoff is Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It’s a neutral site game, part of the Duke’s Mayo Classic, and it’ll air on ACC Network.
Weather
Charlotte’s calling for a hot one, high near 85 and a low of 72, with a 60 percent chance of rain somewhere in there. It’s a night kickoff, so hopefully most of that heat breaks by the time we get going, but if you’re tailgating outside that stadium, stay hydrated and keep an eye on the sky.
Who we’re playing
Let’s be honest with each other. This isn’t UT Martin. Virginia walks in 2-0 and ranked 25th in the country, coming off blowout wins over NC State and Norfolk State. Tony Elliott has that program rolling now, fresh off a school-record 11 win season and an ACC Championship appearance. They brought in Missouri transfer Beau Pribula to run their offense, and he’s the kind of quarterback who can beat you with his arm or tuck it and run when things break down. I won’t lie to you, this is the best team we’ve faced so far, and it isn’t particularly close.
Players to watch
Pribula is who I’d be worried about first. Threw for close to 1,900 yards and ran for almost 300 more last year at Missouri. That’s a guy who can hurt you two different ways. Up front, keep your eyes on offensive lineman McKale Boley, 6-foot-5, 329 pounds, already picked up preseason All-ACC honors before he’s played a snap this year. He’s a big part of why Virginia ran for 200-plus yards in three straight games last season. If our front seven can’t handle him, we’re in for a long night.
I’ll say this much, games like this tell you more about who your team really is than blowing out an FCS opponent ever will. We’ll find out plenty about this Mountaineer squad on Saturday night.
I’m fired up for a lot of reasons, but if I’m being real, the big one is getting to watch Michael Hawkins Jr. in person. I’ve got a feeling this is the game where he breaks out. Let’s go show out.
See y’all there.
